Dedicated to Lord Shiva and worshipped as the lord of the Kedar region, the ancient temple of Kedarnath is one of the holiest Shiva temples in the world which is also a holy Jyotirlinga. Cradled at an altitude of 3581 meters above sea level in Uttarakhand Rudraprayag district. Each year thousands of pilgrims make their way to Shri Kedarnath Dham braving the inclement weather conditions and difficulties of the route. Kedarnath Dham makes one of the Char Dhams in the Chota Chardham circuit.
Temple parts within
The interiors of the Kedarnath temple consist of the following parts
Garbha Griha or sanctum sanatorium is the innermost chamber of the temple and enshrines the conical idol of Shri Kedarnath Ji
Mandapa is the assembly hall where devotees gather to make a Darshan of the presiding deity
Architecture of Shrine
Kedarnath Temple falls in Uttarakhand Kedarnath Valley which is located at an elevation of 3584 meters above sea level. The town of Uttarakhand that houses the Kedarnath temple is called Kedarnath town whereas the district is called Rudraprayag.
The architecture of the Kedarnath temple is believed to date some 1000 years back. The temple architecture adheres to the common architectural plan of all Hindu temples consisting of two distinct sections; i.e. Garbha Griha dedicated to worshipping purpose alone and the Mandap, which is spacious enough to accommodate large assemblies of temple visitors and pilgrims. The entire temple is constructed out of heavy and huge stone slabs, evenly and wondrously engineered even in the yesteryears. The temple is constructed on a raised rectangular platform. A huge statue of the mythological Nandi Bull stands guard at the Temple door. Various mythological deities and mythological scenes are lavishly engraved to deck the assembly hall's inner walls.
The Kedarnath shrine houses a conical, rather pyramid-shaped rock formation revered and worshipped by thousands of pilgrims as Lord Shiva’s Sadashiva form. This is a self-manifested image of the Lord and is perhaps the highest of all 12 Jyotirlingas spread across India.
Kedarnath Significance
The significance of Kedarnath rests in the fact that it is the country’s most famed Shiva Sthalams and is one among the 12 Shiv Jyotirlingas scattered nationwide. The spiritual importance of Kedarnath Dham, one of the Chota Char Dhams is unfathomable. Since time immemorial many great saints and yogis have made Kedarnath their seat to commune with God, the ‘Shiva’, and live an out & out spiritual life. Pilgrims make a beeline to Kedarnath with the belief that if they pray to Kedareshwar, all their desires will be fulfilled. Kedarnath shrine’s significance further lies in the fact that in Satya Yuga Upmanyu prayed here to Kedarnath Ji while in the Dwapar Yug, the Pandavas came looking for Lord Kedarnath at the Kedarnath shrine and offered prayer at His feet.
Pooja Performed in Kedarnath Temple
A series of religious rituals or poojas are performed at the Kedarnath temple each day. The daily Poojas at the temple include Maha Abhishek, Laghu Rudrabhishek, Rudrabhishek, and Shodashopachar Puja during the daytime hours and Shiva Sahasranamam path, Shiv Mahimna Stotra Path, and Shiva Tandav Stotra path during the evening. Each day the lord is offered several Bhogs such as Uttam Bhog, Vishesha Bhog, Nitya Bhog, and Sonvarav Sankranti Bhog. Maha Abhishekam puja is done between 4am - 7am. Rudra Abhishekam Puja is performed in honor of Rudra or Lord Shiva and the Puja sanctifies the ambiance around. Laghu Rudra Abhishekam is performed to spread prosperity of health & wealth. Shodashopachara Puja consists of the performance of the usual 16 steps Puja ritual. In the evening several recitals are done. Shiva Sahasranama Stotram consists in reciting the 1008 Lord Shiva names. Shiva Mahima Strotra consists in reciting Puspadanta’s Vedic composition. Shiva Tandava Stotram consists in reciting Stotras each of which consists of 16 syllables.
Kedarnath Temple Opening and Closing Time
Kedarnath Temple opens as early as 4 am and shuts down at 9 pm. In the afternoon there is a short recess starting from 3 pm and continuing till 5 pm. Devotees can feel the Kedarnath Ji lingam with their hands and partake in the Abhishekam but only until 3 pm.
Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Kedarnath Temple
Opening ceremonies in the Kedarnath temple are marked with Maha Abhishekam Puja and closing ceremonies are marked with Stotra Paths.
Management of the Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple Committee formulated under the Kedarnath Mandir act of the Uttar Pradesh government shoulders the responsibility of managing the Kedarnath temple.
Festivals of Kedarnath
Also, there are some festivals associated exclusively with the Kedarnath region or with the Garhwal region as a whole. Read on to learn about the main festivals observed in and around Kedarnath.
Badri-Kedar Festival
The Badri-Kedar festival is one of the major festivals in the region. This festival is held in June when pilgrims and tourists from far and wide gather to take part in the celebrations associated with the Badri-Kedar festival. This eight days spanned festival presents a galore of renowned artists from every nook and corner of the country. At the Badri-Kedar festival, you would indeed get to catch a glimpse of Indian art and culture at its very best.
Shravani Annakoot Mela
This festival is held in August, on the day preceding ‘Raksha Bandhan’. On the Annakoot, Mela day food prepared from the newly harvested fresh paddy is offered to Lord Kedar as ‘Prasadam’. Also, a special Puja ritual is performed on that day during which the Kedarnath Ji Shivling is decked with a mixed paste made from newly -harvested rice, corn, wheat, and many other grains as well as pulses.
Samadhi Puja
On the day on which Kedarnath Temple closes, a Samadhi Puja is performed quite ceremoniously. It marks the temple shutdown ceremony. The Temple committee makes arrangements for this Puja for interested devotees.
Apart from the above, Holi, Vinayak Chaturthi, Dussehra, and Deepavali are the other festivals celebrated in the region.
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